Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading) with Chipotle Sauce
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders without Breading cook up perfectly in the air fryer. There is no flour, just flavor. The smoky spice dry rub creates a crisp, caramelized crust, while a creamy chipotle lime dipping sauce cools it all down with just the right kick.
Servings: 4
Calories: 290kcal
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or Silicone Spatula
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1½ pounds chicken tenders
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Dry Rub
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnish: lime wedges and cilantro
Chipotle Lime Sauce
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of ½ lime
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken tenders dry and place them in a large bowl. Add olive oil and toss to coat. In a small bowl, mix all dry rub ingredients, then sprinkle evenly over the chicken. Rub it in well with your hands so it’s fully coated. Let the seasoned chicken rest for 10–15 minutes so the spices can absorb and the rub begins to form a crust.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Arrange tenders in a single layer, not touching.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is cooked through (165°F) and the rub is dark and crisp at the edges.
- In a small bowl, stir together yogurt, mayo, adobo sauce, garlic powder, and lime juice. Add salt to taste. Chill until serving.
Video
Notes
Storage Store leftover air fryer chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chipotle lime sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze Freeze cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheat: To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
Substitutions
- Chicken Tenders: Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips.
- Greek Yogurt: Swap with sour cream or dairy-free yogurt for a lactose-free option.
- Adobo Sauce: Use chipotle powder or hot sauce if adobo sauce isn't available.
Nutrition
Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 959mg | Potassium: 734mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 704IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1mg
